Wood Engraving

Wood engraving is a relief process that involves using engraving tools to carve into the end grain of dense wood, thus enabling the artist to create highly detailed images and tonally complex compositions. This intensive will go through the entire process from transferring an image to a block, engraving, and printing a small edition on a Vandercook press. Participants will also learn about types of wood used for engraving and different types of tools and how to sharpen them. No previous engraving or printing experience is necessary, but patience, good eyesight, and a steady hand are very helpful.

Full Description:

Wood engraving is a relief process that involves using engraving tools to carve into the end grain of dense wood, thus enabling the artist to create highly detailed images and tonally complex compositions.  Used as the primary means for printing illustrations alongside of moveable type from the late eighteenth century through most of the nineteenth century, wood engraving is still a great way to incorporate imagery into your letterpress cards, printed ephemera, artist books, broadsides, and of course to develop graphic stand alone images, especially when there is a need to work small.

This two-session intensive will take you through the entire process from transferring your image to a block, to engraving, to printing a small edition. You’ll also learn about types of wood used for engraving and different types of tools and how to sharpen them. You’ll have access to a few different types of tools to use during the workshop. We’ll be printing on the Vandercook. No previous engraving or printing experience is necessary, but patience, good eyesight, and a steady hand are very helpful.

You should arrive to the workshop with a 3” x 4” sketch or photograph to work from.

Instructor Bio:

Rebecca Gilbert is a Philadelphia-based artist whose work exemplifies a dedication to traditional printmaking processes. Her highly detailed work allows her to explore our perceptions of both space and beauty. Rebecca serves on the board of The Wood Engravers’ Network and is represented by The Print Center Gallery Store. She lives and works in South Philadelphia and teaches at the University of the Arts where she also serves as Coordinator of Expanded Drawing and Print Media. Her prints are in numerous public and private collections, and have been exhibited regionally, nationally, and abroad. Among Rebecca’s most recent awards are an Independence Foundation Fellowship and a Winterthur Artist/Maker Fellowship.

Student Supply List:

3” x 4” sketch or photograph to work from

pencil